In March 2025, Westmoreland UCC hung a banner saying "Have mercy." on an exterior wall. It is inspired by Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. During her sermon at the National Cathedral’s Service of Prayer for the Nation in January, she asked President Trump to “have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”

The Christian tradition teaches us repeatedly to have mercy. “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).

Westmoreland UCC strives to promote mercy and justice in our community and world. We seek to speak up when we can. Our church’s location offers the chance to invite passersby to remember or question the role of mercy in their lives. And perhaps it calls them to deepen commitments or act in new ways, regardless of religious tradition or lack of religious affiliation.  

We lift up mercy because our hearts break ...